SAFE SHINES, BIG TIME!

‘Kiwis, Pigs and a King' was billed as a high-profile, star-studded event aimed at raising the bars for pigs.

‘Kiwis, Pigs and a King' was held at one of the country's most prestigious venues atop the Auckland Museum, which delivers a 360-degree panoramic view of Auckland.

"The event was to celebrate the strength of the consumer-led campaign following the success of the Sunday programme exposing pig cruelty in New Zealand, and to launch the second stage of the campaign," says SAFE director Anthony Terry.

"It was the finest two hours of my twenty-year career with SAFE. After an awesome few weeks of intensive media exposure that highlighted pig cruelty in New Zealand, the ‘Kiwis, Pigs and a King' event was a dream come true," says Anthony. "SAFE delivered a stellar night on par with any Oscars, we just omitted the prize-giving and added a little more substance!"

Radio presenter Joe Cotton provided a gentle mix of humour and seriousness as MC. The near-capacity crowd heard how Mike King became involved and his reservations about joining SAFE and speaking out against his former employer, the NZ Pork Industry Board. Auckland Mayor John Banks spoke eloquently and passionately about the horrors of pig crates and his admiration for SAFE. New Zealand's top actor, Robyn Malcolm, echoed calls for immediate improvements to pig welfare laws and shared her appreciation of pigs. Pig rescuer Carolyn Press-McKenzie, who liberated a factory farmed sow from certain death, and SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek, both gave informative and inspiring speeches.

The event also marked the launch of SAFE's new educational DVD that highlights what's wrong with factory farming and how consumers can help support the campaign. The professionally produced 10-minute DVD is presented and narrated by Robyn Malcolm, and received high praise and applause from those in attendance.

SAFE also held a fundraising auction of original works by many of the country's leading satirical cartoonists who had published cartoons on the pig issue. They generously donated their works, which raised nearly $8,000 towards helping pigs.

SAFE is extremely grateful to all those who assisted or supported the event. SAFE wishes to extend a huge thanks to all of the speakers, sponsors, cartoonists and all of the volunteers. A particular thanks to Amanda and Anthony for organising the event.

Mayor of Auckland City, Hon John Banks, and SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek.

Mike King delivers a powerful speech on why he speaks out against pig cruelty.

Mike King and his mate with Mike's successful bid at the auction.

SAFE promotions manager, Amanda Sorrenson (right) with Robyn Malcolm and guests.

SAFE's campaign director Hans Kriek takes a moment with Mike King to celebrate.

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